In the Fullness of Time

Galatians 4:4 ESV

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,

Intertestamental Period of 400 years.

Literature of Intertestamental period.

Old Testament Apocrypha -

Collection of books dating from about the third century before Christ until roughly a.d. 100. Written well after the close of the OT during times of national unrest, the spirit of the books is characterized by the Hebrew people’s response to their discordant situations and their hope for a better future.

Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, “Apocrypha, Old and New Testament,” Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 124.

Psedopigraph -

A collection of books that was written in honor of Old Testament heroes by ascribing the heroes' names to them thus getting the name false writings. These texts are important in that they inform us of Jewish thought that is underpinning the New Testament.

Dead Sea Scrolls -

They were discovered in 1947. These scrolls date approximately to 250 bc–ad 50. The non-biblical Dead Sea Scrolls have had a large impact on our understanding of the language, literature, and history of Judaism in Israel in the first centuries BC and AD.

Josephus -

Jewish priest, statesman, and author. Josephus’ writings provide much of our knowledge of early Judaism and Christianity. He was an eyewitness to events of the first century, and briefly mentions Jesus, John the Baptist, and James, Jesus’ brother (Antiquities 18.63, 18.116, 20.200). His history of the Jewish people includes the first comprehensive interpretation of the Bible by any individual. Though opinionated and partisan, Josephus depicts the diversity of Jewish beliefs and practices in his day.

Philo -

Hellenistic Jewish philosopher (c. 25 bc–c. ad 40) whose thought represents the first major confrontation of biblical faith with Greek thought. Son of a prominent Alexandrian family, Philo was educated both in the Jewish faith and in Greek philosophy and culture.

Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, “Philo Judaeus,” Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 1684.

A diverse body of literature, yet God is working through it in his time.

God is using your history to work in your life.

Governments of the Period

Greek Rulers

Alexander the Great

Antiochus Epiphanes

Maccabeanian / Hasmoneans

Mattathias started the war of independence.

Judas the Maccabee IE the hammer brings victory

80 years of independence

Romans / Herodian

Herod the Great - the friend of Rome

The kingdom is divided between four sons.

Herod Antipas

Herod Archelaus

Herod Philip I

Herod Arippa I

Messianic figures

Judas of Hezekiah - known as the bandit.

Simon from Perea

Athronges - known as the shepherd of Judea

A land of war and political unrest yet God is working in his time.

God is working in us in his time.

Foundation for NT thought

Synagogues - the foundation for churches

place of worship

place of teaching

Apocalyptic thought - Consummation of all things

Messianic Kingdom

Defeat of Evil

Angels -

Satan becomes an individual rather than a position

Heavenly host hierarchy is explored.

Resurrection - the physical resurrection developed.

God is revealing himself in his time.

Hebrews 1:1–2 ESV

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

The depth of our knowing God in his time.

Galatians 4:4–7 ESV

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

God has made us sons and daughters heirs of his promises.

Trust in God’s work and timing.